ZIRO (ARUNACHAL), Sept 20 - Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today witnessed the historic signing of accord between the Nyishi and Apatani communities here and hailed it as ushering in �a new era of peaceful co-existence� in the State.
The accord with eight resolutions was signed by Bengia Tulom, president of Nyishi Elite Society (NES) and Dr Hage Loder, president of Tani Supum Dukum (TSD) with witnesses signing from both the communities. The resolutions of the accord would be made public later.
The accord � a trendsetter for other communities to take a cue � is unique and historic and an agreement between the two neighbours for peaceful co-existence, brotherhood and social harmony, the Chief Minister said.
�Today is the beginning of a new era of peaceful co-existence and social harmony. Let this message go out to the world and let other communities learn that if there is will, there will be peace,� said Tuki while addressing the people on the special occasion.
The Chief Minister lauded the leaders of NES and TSD, apex social bodies of the Nyishis and Apatanis respectively, for coming together with the idea and fostering a bond between the two communities that will be socially binding on each and every member of the communities.
Tuki said people with hatred and violence in the name of caste, creed and community constitute only one per cent of the population. �And with such social sanction provided by the accord these one per cent people would be overpowered and no petty differences or disputes would ever take a communal colour,� he said.
Tuki viewed the accord as an example that needs to be followed for communal and social harmony between tribes of the State, particularly those living in close proximity of each other. Such understanding will not only promote peace and bonhomie but also help push for accelerated development in the region, he said.
The accord was signed at a conglomeration of hundreds of members of both the communities as well as members of various community-based organisations from across the State.
Tuki cited the example of similar accords signed by the NES with the Bodos of Assam and Akas of West Kameng.
He said after the agreements all differences between the Nyishis and the Bodos along the inter-State boundary are resolved peacefully and thus there is a feeling of goodwill and peace.
�Same is the case with Akas and now the Nyishis and Apatanis have come together to create an atmosphere of understanding, love and caring,� Tuki added.
Inter-community exchanges and mingling are pre-requisite for peaceful coexistence, the Chief Minister asserted and informed that the State Government will encourage inter-tribe marriages by rewarding such couples with Rs 50,000. � PTI
